Antisemitism is on the rise as Launceston synagogue is deface

A synagogue in Launceston was defaced last week with a black line being drawn through the middle of the Star of David hanging outside the place of worship.

Rabbi Yochanan Gordon said it is the third time in about 10 months the synagogue had been defaced but said he couldn't be sure if the intent was to be anti-semitic.

"If its ignorance it is very sad that we have people in the community who don't know basics and if it's not then it's a horrible thing," he said.

Executive Council of Australian Jewry co-chief executive Alex Ryvchin said it was distressing to see a place of worship vandalised.

"To see a place like that vandalised is always deeply distressing but unfortunately we're becoming somewhat desensitised to it, because these sorts of events have become so common both in Australia and aboard," he said.

IN OTHER NEWS:

Last year the ECAJ published a report into anti-semitism incidents in Australia and found recorded incidents remained constant last year after increasing 59 per cent in the previous year.

"The fact that number has remained constant is really quite alarming... we found that there was a 30 per cent increase in incidents of harassment, intimidation and verbal abuse."

Australian Union of Jewish Students president Joshua Kirsh said members of his organisation have complained about feeling unsafe on university campuses.

"We have seen a significant amount of antisemitic graffiti on campuses and while the impact of that for the vast majority is negligible for Jewish students it creates a real environment of menace."

He said it was worrying to see in Australia a country with no history of antisemitism.

Rabbi Gordon said he appreciated all the messages of support he has received from the community.

SIGN UP HERE FOR OUR NEWSLETTER